Plans to build Byrne Dairy's largest store ever in LaFayette were announced in April, and residents have been asking why it's taking so long for it to be approved and constructed.

The town of LaFayette has approved the project, said Supervisor Bill McConnell, but the project still needs approval from New York State Department of Transportation for a curb cut on Route 20 to allow a second driveway into the store.

The new Byrne Dairy would be built just west of the existing McDonald's. It would share a driveway with McDonald's, but also wants its own driveway just west of the shared one.

Getting approval from the state DOT for the new driveway has stalled construction of the project.

"We thought we'd have a new store by now,'' McConnell said. "We have overwhelming support for it from our local residents."

The state DOT has concerns about the new proposed driveway.

Because of the 55 mph speed limit on Route 20 just west of the project, there is not enough space for a proper deceleration lane into the new Byrne Dairy, said Gene Cilento, speaking for the state DOT. Also, there isn't enough space for cars making left turns into McDonald's or into the new store, he said.

"The DOT is looking into this development with safety in mind,'' Cilento said.

Earlier this month, the town of LaFayette requested a speed limit reduction on Route 20 trom the west, and the DOT is looking into that, Cilento said.

McConnell said the town asked for a 35 mph speed limit in that area. He's hoping that will allow the project to move ahead.

The grocery/convenience store, which would be 7,030 square feet and include a gas station would be the largest in the chain, according to Byrne Dairy offfcials. Most Byrne stores are typically under 4,000 square feet..

The gas station will have 10 fuel pumps - eight for gasoline and two for diesel fuel. The store would be open 24 hours a day, and would employ 12 to 15 people, Byrne said.